Conservative Party of B.C. MLA elect for West 琉璃神社-Peachland Macklin McCall did not make himself available to local media after his Oct. 19 election win.

In fact, Black Press Media was informed well before the polls closed at 8 p.m. that he would not be available for interviews, after being provided an emailed statement from the riding secrectary and communications director on Friday (Oct. 18) evening.

鈥淎s we reach the end of this campaign our election evening activities will be focused on rewarding our hard working volunteers,鈥� the statement read. 鈥淲e would be happy to arrange an interview with Macklin in the days following the election.鈥�

McCall took 13,194 (51.09 per cent) of the votes, B.C. NDP candidate Krystal Smith garnered 7,116 (27.56 per cent) votes, and Independent candidate Stephen Johnston had 5,511 (21.34 per cent) votes. Out-of-district ballots are still to be counted and the final count will begin on Oct. 26.

McCall also did not directly respond to repeated interview requests during his campaign, but instead sent an emailed statement on Sept. 28.

鈥淢ore than ever, British Columbians are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living as they see jobs, investment and economic opportunity leave our province. I owe it to the people of West 琉璃神社 - Peachland to speak with them about their concerns on the direction of our province and how we can make it better. In the lead up to October 19, my focus is on engaging with voters directly at the doors.鈥�

McCall did send responses to written questions, asked of all candidates in the riding, for publication online and in print. Interview requests were also sent to B.C. NDP candidate Krystal Smith, however, Black Press Media was informed by her campaign that she was ill. There were no responses to further requests for interviews before election day.  

Smith and McCall did not attend an Oct. 2 all candidates forum in West 琉璃神社, leaving Independent candidate Stephen Johnston the only participant. Smith, McCall and Johnston did attend a North Westside Community Association forum on Oct. 15.

McCall is a former RCMP officer and was born and raised on a family farm in Okanagan Falls. In responses to written questions from Black Press Media, he stated he is passionate about bringing common-sense solutions to B.C.

鈥淚 believe that government exists to serve the people, and my approach is guided by a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. I prioritize listening to constituents, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.鈥�

The West 琉璃神社-Peachland riding was realigned for the 2024 election under electoral redistribution in 2021. It was created from parts of 琉璃神社-West, Penticton and Fraser-Nicola. 

琉璃神社-West B.C. United (formerly B.C. Liberals) MLA Ben Stewart, who has held the riding since 2009, announced in October 2023 that he would not seek re-election in 2024.  

Just weeks after the 2013 election Stewart resigned to allow Premier Christy Clark, who had lost her own seat, to run in a by-election. Clark resigned the seat and leadership of the B.C. Liberals in August 2017 after losing a confidence vote. A by-election for the seat was held in February 2018 which Stewart won.

On Aug. 28 this year, B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon, at a news conference with Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad, announced he was suspending the party鈥檚 campaign and throwing his support behind the Conservatives.

"In cooperation with John Rustad, we (B.C. United) will work together to assemble the best possible team of MLAs and candidates to conserve the best interests of British Columbians," Falcon said at the time. 

Johnston was the vetted B.C. United candidate for West 琉璃神社-Peachland. He declared as an independent candidate on Sept. 5.